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Overview
Welcome to FourFourTwo's inaugural 50 Best Managers in the World list.We've consulted with a clutch of our knowledgable writers from around the world to settle on a half-century of the planet's top bosses. Some of them may be new to you, many certainly won't be, but each of them has a story worth telling– and a rightful place here. We hope you enjoy.
EXPLANATIONHow we chose the list
The list
50-46
45-41
40-36
35-31
30-26
25-21
20-16
15-11
10•9
8•7
6•5
4 • 3
2 • 1
Analysis
POLL Don't agree with our No.1? Tell us which boss is your king of the coaches
QUIZ Six simple questions to determine whether you are more of a Klopp or a Carver
INTERVIEWSlaven Bilic: I used to play basketball… you didn’t know that, did you?
FEATUREHannibal masks and camp classics: the story of Slaven Bilic’s guitar days
PROFILEEurope calling: how Markus Weinzierl became Germany's most promising coach
FEATURE The 13 maddest managers ever: silly superstitions, star signs and Sitton
PROFILE How Spurs flop Rebrov overcame identity, war and Lobanovsky to rule Kiev
PROFILE Why Bob Bradley is heading for the top - one fascinating step at a time
PROFILE Guardiola, Enrique... Cocu? How PSV's chief caught up with Barca's best
PROFILE Money, ambition and betrayal: the bitter story of Jorge Jesus' Benfica walkout
FEATURE The top 12 managers in the Football League
FEATURE Managers' Men: football's 'special' relationships, by those who know best
INFOGRAPHICThe most represented leagues of FFT's 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2015
INFOGRAPHICThe ages of FourFourTwo's 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2015
INFOGRAPHICThe nationalities of FourFourTwo's 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2015
FEATURE Who's the next Fergie? Mourinho? Cruyff? World football's up-and-coming managers named
FEATURE Doomsday for philosophy as gaffers choose success over ethos
FEATURE Tinkerman, wheeler-dealer, nutter: why do managers get typecast?
Everything on #FFT50MANAGERS in one place
featureMon, 13 Jul 2015 10:32:35 +0000Joe Brewin415084 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMeet Alessio Romagnoli – the Italian defender being tracked by Arsenal and ChelseaGreg Lea gives the lowdown on the defensive starlet on the wanted list of many a European titan...Greg Leahttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/meet-alessio-romagnoli-italian-defender-being-tracked-arsenal-and-chelsea
The 60-second story
Alessio Romagnoli was born in the coastal town of Anzio, 32 miles south of Rome, in 1995. He was spotted by Roma scouts as a youngster and spent a few years at the club’s academy before being handed a shock first-team debut by Zdenek Zeman at the age of 17 in 2012, playing the entire 90 minutes in a 3-0 Coppa Italiawin over Atalanta.
His first league appearance followed soon after with a promising cameo against Milan, before Romagnoli impressed again in March’s triumph over Genoa, completing a full game in Serie A for the first time.
Sporadic participation evolved into more substantial involvement the following campaign, the centre-back playing a part in just under a third of Roma’s 38 Serie A games. Rudi Garcia then elected to loan Romagnoli out to Sampdoria for the 2014/15 season, and it proved to be a wise decision with the Italy Under-21 international forming a key part of a solid Blucherchiati spine.
A sustained run in the team – Romagnoli enjoyed 30 outings in the league – gave the loanee vital experience in a competitive and high-quality environment, helping Sampdoria to an excellent and unexpected seventh-place finish. Indeed, it was last term that people really began to sit up and take notice of Romagnoli’s fantastic potential. Alongside Juventus’ Daniele Rugani (see our Rugani Talentspotter profile here) – who has spent the last two campaigns at Empoli – Romagnoli was marked out as a possible star of the future and one to watch in years to come. Now back at Roma, the Giallorossi are debating whether to retain or cash in on one of European football’s biggest defensive prospects.
Why you need to know him
The ‘next Alessandro Nesta’ is how Romagnoli has been dubbed in Italy, with fans and pundits alike drawing parallels between the 20-year-old and the legendary former Lazio and Milan centre-half.
Awareness of Romagnoli’s ability extends far beyond the peninsula, though: Real Madrid were thought to be sniffing around at times last season, with recent reports in both the Italian and English press linking the youngster with moves to Arsenal and Chelsea.
Strengths
Tall, athletic and elegant with the ball at his feet, Romagnoli is the archetypal modern day centre-back. Quick across the ground and strong in the tackle, the 20-year-old has also demonstrated maturity, knowhow and tactical awareness beyond his tender years by rarely being caught out positionally and never letting his concentration dip. He also possesses a fine left peg, which has allowed him to play at full-back on occasion and helps the balance of the side when he is fielded alongside a right-footer in the heart of the backline. Versatility among defenders is often rarer than in other positions, with Romagnoli’s ability to fulfil multiple roles at the back a major plus point.
Weaknesses
Romagnoli identified one-on-ones as a potential area for improvement in a recent interview, while there is also a feeling that he is prone to being overpowered by strong, physical strikers. Although Alessio will presumably start to fill out as he gets older, spending some additional time in the gym this summer should help him become better equipped to deal with burly frontmen by the time next season rolls around.
They said…
Current Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic coached Romagnoli at Sampdoria last year, and it is no surprise that he wants to bring the centre-back to San Siro after comments such as these.
“He did very well,” the Serbian said following an accomplished performance from Romagnoli that helped Samp to a 2-1 win over Chievo in September. For him it was a great first start. I think that if he can find continuity, he can become a key player for the national team for the next 10 or 15 years.
“He reminds me of Nesta but with more technical qualities. It’s a pity he’s not ours and that we’ll have to return him [after the loan period]. Roma will have a ready-made player.”
Francesco Totti, too, has always been a fan, which is no bad thing for any Giallorossi hopeful. After Romagnoli’s Serie A debut against Milan in 2012, the eternal captain from the Eternal City put on record his belief that the defender’s prospects looked extremely bright. “I have to praise Romagnoli,” he told reporters after the game, which Roma won 4-2. “In my view this kid has a luminous future ahead of him.”
Did you know?
Romagnoli wears the number 46 shirt, a personal choice based on his love of Italian motorcyclist Valentino Rossi, whose bike number is 46. Rossi’s own choice was based on his father Graziano wearing the same number when he won his first Grand Prix in Yugoslavia in 1979, in case you were wondering.
What happens next?
Milan have made a take-it-or-leave it £17.4m bid for the 20-year-old, with chief executive Adriano Galliani publicly stating: “if Roma accept it then very well, otherwise we’ll make other assessments.”
Even if the Giallorossi do give Milan permission to talk to Romagnoli, there's no guarantee the player will agree to the move.
“Romagnoli to Milan has a big obstacle: the Rossoneri’s lack of European competition,” agent Federico Cavalli admitted to Sportitalia. “If Juventus called, however, then Roma could let him go. He wants to play in Europe.”
Juve look pretty well-stocked for central defenders, but that line suggests that Champions League participants Arsenal would be in pole position to land Romagnoli if they turned their interest into a concrete offer. Ready to play now but also with potentially a decade and a half still ahead of him, the signing of Romagnoli could prove to be one of Arsene Wenger’s shrewdest investments.
See more Talentspotter profiles here
featureThu, 23 Jul 2015 11:24:31 +0000Gregor MacGregor422029 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comInfographic: The most represented leagues of FourFourTwos 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2015The breakdown of where our selected top 50 managers work across the world...http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/infographic-most-represented-leagues-fourfourtwos-50-best-football-managers-world-2015
So with most of our top managers earning a crust through coaching their country, does that show that international football is still the highest echelon of the game? Uefa and their Champions League may say differently.
The monied Premier League employs the next biggest percentage, while central Europe dominates but there's a reasonable smattering of coaches from all corners of the globe. Maybe next year, Vietnamese V.League 1?
See our full list of the top 50 managers, plus features and analysis
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featureThu, 16 Jul 2015 13:20:01 +0000Gregor MacGregor418198 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comInfographic: The ages of FourFourTwos 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2015How the top 50 managers in the world are split by age group...http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/infographic-ages-fourfourtwos-50-best-football-managers-world-2015
Most of the best managers in world football are in their late forties, having accrued that vital bit of experience since hanging up their boots.
There are others in the older brackets who have endured at the top of the coaching tree for many a year, but a special mention here to Marcelo Gallardo, the sole representative of coaches under the big four-oh. At 39, the River Plate boss could be set for years at the top if he carries on the success he has already enjoyed.
See our full list of the top 50 managers, plus features and analysis
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Beyond the fact that there are no Englishmen (or Brits even; what happened to the great Scottish managers?) there are also no Brazilians in our list of the best managers in world football. And perhaps it would be a good time to point out that we ran this list past many football experts and from various different nationalities.
So where do our top me come from? Well, central Europe mainly:
6 Spaniards, 6 Frenchmen
5 Italians, 5 Argentineans, 5 Germans
4 Dutchmen
So Argentines aside, the top football bosses hail from Europe.
See our full list of the top 50 managers, plus features and analysis
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featureThu, 16 Jul 2015 11:52:02 +0000Gregor MacGregor418199 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comFourFourTwos 50 Best Football Managers in the World 2015: 15-11Its the business end of the list but whos just missed out on the top 10?http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/fourfourtwos-50-best-football-managers-world-2015-15-11
Words: Tom Kundert, Greg Lea, Nick Ames, Jonathan Johnson.
15) Jorge Jesus (Sporting)
He may look like a displaced 1980s soft rocker, his press conference answers may be littered with know-it-all derision, and he may have a recurring habit of upsetting opposing coaches – but make no mistake: Jesus is a quite brilliant football coach.
There is no false modesty with JJ. In fact, there is no modesty at all. “I’m the best coach in the world. I don’t believe anybody knows more about football than me,” he told Sol this time last year.
Such bluster could only pass for a charlatan or a genius. The 60-year-old’s achievements tell us he belongs in the latter category. Jesus single-handedly smashed Porto’s seemingly shatterproof hegemony of Portuguese football. In his six-year spell at Benfica, he first presented the northerners with serious competition where previously they’d had none, before definitively bettering them while playing exhilarating football. He prodigiously developed talents, notwithstanding having to sell his best players year after year.
Having just led Benfica to their first back-to-back championships for 31 years, Jesus sensationally walked out on the Lisbon giants for cross-city rivals Sporting. Why? Money played a part, for sure. But should Jesus triumph at Sporting it will vindicate his claims to be the best, offering persuasive evidence that he is the greatest ever coach in the history of Portuguese club football. Don’t put it past him. TK
FEATUREMoney, ambition and betrayal: the bitter story of Jorge Jesus’s Benfica walkout
14) Rudi Garcia (Roma)
Last season didn’t exactly turn out as planned for Rudi Garcia. Having ran champions Juventus close the previous year – the final gap of 17 points between the top two didn’t reflect how tight the title race had been for much of the season – his Roma outfit fluffed their lines in the second half of last term and allowed the Bianconeri to stroll towards a fourth straight league championship.
As disappointing as the campaign turned out, nobody should forget the position Roma found themselves in before Garcia took the reins. Just two short years ago, the Giallorossi lost the Coppa Italia final to rivals Lazio and slumped to a sixth-placed finish.
When viewed in such a light, consecutive runners-up spots under Garcia look a whole lot different. His stubborn dogmatism can sometimes grate, but the Frenchman is undoubtedly a top manager. Garcia has not only improved Roma immeasurably in just two years but has also got them playing some of the best football on the peninsula.
“Garcia? I was hoping he was a great coach and he has proved such,” Francesco Totti said shortly after the man who won the French league and cup double with Lille in 2011 took over in the Eternal City. “I think we’ve found the coach of the future.”
In Rome, there can be no greater endorsement. GL
13) Ronald Koeman (Southampton)
Koeman’s appointment was greeted with nothing more than moderate enthusiasm by Southampton supporters when he replaced Mauricio Pochettino last summer. There were bigger concerns: the good work carried out in creating a competitive Premier League side seemed to have been undone by a raft of high-profile departures on and off the pitch, and the arrival of a manager whose main successes had been in Holland was little consolation.
Signing Graziano Pelle from his previous club, Feyenoord, and Dusan Tadic from Eredivisie rivals Twente did little to quell the negativity but Koeman’s Southampton set off at a ferocious pace, winning eight of their first 11 Premier League games and playing some of the most imaginative football the top flight has seen in recent years.
Although they were fourth at the halfway stage, their form tailed off and Koeman had to settle for seventh. But as Premier League debuts go, this was quite something from a manager for whom the jury had always been out. Koeman won Dutch titles with Ajax and PSV, and a Copa del Rey with Valencia, but last season’s feat was his best yet and the 52-year-old – whose footballing principles were fine-tuned by successful spells as a player with Ajax and Barcelona – may now find that the sky's the limit. NA
12) Leonardo Jardim (Monaco)
Despite finishing second in Monaco’s first season back in Ligue 1 after two terms away, Claudio Ranieri was harshly sacked as les Monegasques’ manager last summer. Jardim was appointed the Italian’s successor, prompting plenty of scepticism in France.
The Portuguese tactician had led Sporting to an impressive second place in the 2013/14 Primeira Liga, but was unable to speak French and faced the drastic restructuring of Dmitry Rybolovlev’s once-lavish Monaco project.
Twelve months later and Jardim is rightly considered one of the best managers in the world. The 40-year-old led Monaco to an impressive third place in Ligue 1 and a second consecutive Champions League appearance – to the quarter-finals, no less – despite a wretched start to his debut season.
The Portuguese overcame the losses of stars like Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez with a mixture of tactical nous, fine motivational skills and an ability to make the most of what he started with.
Jardim's approach doesn’t produce the most attractive football, but it’s effective, as masterminding Monaco's elimination of Arsenal in Europe proved. With just one Greek Superleague and a Greek Cup title to his name at present, don’t bet against him adding to his list of major honours very soon. JJ
11) Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)
Wenger has been heckled, harangued, harassed and abused on train station platforms – yet the old master is still at Arsenal’s helm, doing it his way and showing the clearest signs yet that he can return the club to its heights of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
It’s been a tough decade for Wenger, a nine-year trophy famine and awkward transition to the expensive Emirates Stadium on more than one occasion appearing to have made his departure a matter of time. But the 65-year-old is staggeringly resilient and, visibly energised by an FA Cup triumph in 2013/14 that broke the drought and persuaded him he had a job to complete, has assembled a side that looks likely to challenge for the title next season.
Arsenal lost just twice in the Premier League after January 1, adding another FA Cup with a commanding win over Aston Villa, and showed signs of marrying swashbuckling attacking flair with the defensive stability that has often been their Achilles heel. The signing of Petr Cech won’t harm the latter process and it seems that, while it’s taken manager and club a few years to return to the top of their game, both are once more in a position to slug it out with the very best. Wenger is on course to be judged by history as exactly the man Arsenal needed all along. NA
FFT's 50 Best Football Managers: 50-46 • 45-41 • 40-36 • 35-31 • 30-26 • 25-21 • 20-16 • 15-11 • 10 • 9 • 8 • 7 • 6 • 5 • 4 • 3 • 2 • 1
#FFT50MANAGERS See our full list of top 50 managers in the world and features on them here
featureTue, 14 Jul 2015 13:12:03 +0000Joe Brewin415618 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comYesterdays legends of tomorrow: 10 previous U21 Euros starsThe U21 Euros start on Wednesday - and past editions have been career springboards for legends of the game...Greg Leahttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/yesterdays-legends-tomorrow-10-previous-u21-euros-stars
Ever since its relaunch in 1978 (before that it was an under-23 tournament), the European Under-21 Championship has always been a fertile breeding ground for young stars - and a fascinating glimpse into the future. Who knows what potential Ballon d'Or-grabbers and World Cup-lifters will be among the eight squads who line up in the latest edition, starting this Wednesday in the Czech Republic? As if they needed any more encouragement, members of Gareth Southgate’s England squad will be looking to follow in the footsteps of these household names who announced themselves at the Euro U21s...
Rudi Voller (1982)
England don’t often win against Germany at any level, so the 5-4 aggregate victory in the 1982 final was certainly worth celebrating. Despite the Young Lions’ triumph, Voller was the undoubted star of the competition, scoring six goals and impressing with his all-round displays.
Voller – who joined Werder Bremen from 1860 Munich that summer, later representing Roma, Marseille and Leverkusen, while winning 90 caps and scoring 47 goals for Germany – was injured for the second leg of the final, which arguably helped England get over the line. Gareth Southgate’s side would presumably allow Philipp Hofmann to receive the individual plaudits if it meant winning the Euros this time around.
Mark Hateley (1984)
It’s now more than 30 years since England last won this competition. In the 1984 triumph, Hateley was his country’s standout man, troubling distinguished opponents with his uncompromising style of play. Strong in the air, quick across the ground and in possession of an excellent left foot, the target man attracted attention from far and wide. The son of nomadic frontman Tony, Hateley Jr had endured a stuttering start to his senior career at Coventry (including an unsuccessful loan to Detroit Express), but a move to second-tier Portsmouth brought 22 goals in 38 league games – and AC Milan won the race for his signature just a few short weeks after the tournament’s denouement. He would go on to play for Monaco, Rangers and QPR, winning 32 senior caps. Hateley grabbed six goals in the two-legged knockout stages alone as England thrashed France, ground out a win against Italy and turned on the style in a comprehensive 3-0 dismissal of Spain in the final. It’s not often you see that sort of sentence.
Laurent Blanc (1988)
Having broken into the Montpellier team in 1983 – as an attacking midfielder, believe it or not – Blanc had already played more than 100 senior games by the time summer 1988 rolled around, but it was the U21 Euros that really showcased his skills. Demonstrating his superb reading of the game and an elegance and composure on the ball, Blanc was the inspiration behind Les Bleus’ success and was duly nominated the tournament’s Golden Player. Ten years later, he would captain his country’s senior side to World Cup glory on home soil, the pinnacle of a career which also took in spells at Barcelona, Marseille, Inter and Manchester United. If such an achievement is the stuff of dreams, Blanc was merely confirming the promise he had showed in 1988. If only all exciting young players did the same.
Davor Suker (1990)
Suker is best remembered for his Golden Boot-winning exploits with Croatia at France 98, but it was while representing a different nation that he first came to an international audience’s attention at the start of that decade. The 1990 European Under-21 Championship came shortly before the dissolution of Yugoslavia, so it was for the former federal republic that Suker sucked up the goals, kickstarting a career that would take him to Sevilla, Real Madrid and Arsenal among others. A team that also featured Zvonimir Boban, Predrag Mijatovic and Robert Prosinecki reached the final, but were defeated 7-3 on aggregate by the USSR – a game between two nations that would soon be changed forever by political forces.
Luis Figo (1994)
Figo won his first senior cap in 1991, but he really burst onto the continental scene at the 1984 U21 Euros – the first to have the final stages in one country (in this instance, the semis onwards in France). It shows the impression Figo made that although he didn’t score and Portugal didn’t win the trophy – they lost the final to Italy in extra-time – he was named Golden Player for his contributions to Nelo Vingada’s side. Figo went on to play for Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter, winning eight league titles, a European Cup and a Ballon d’Or. Those who saw him in 1994 would not have expected any less.
Fabio Cannavaro (1996)
By the mid-2000s, everyone with even the slightest understanding of the game knew that Cannavaro was a world-class centre-half. In his younger days, though, it was assumed that his size – just 5ft 9in – precluded him from playing at the heart of the back-line. Any such fears were quickly assuaged in the minds of those who saw him play in 1996. Superb as Italy retained the trophy, the then-Parma defender was the key man in a side that was well organised and difficult to break down – as he would prove to be for Inter, Juventus, Real Madrid and the Azzurri senior side, for whom he became the most-capped outfielder in history.
Andrea Pirlo (2000)
Like Laurent Blanc, Pirlo found worldwide fame dictating play from deep but started high up the pitch, as a No.10. It was in that position that the then-Inter player finished as the 2000 U21 Euros’ top scorer as Italy – whose ranks also included Gennaro Gattuso – won the trophy for the third time in four finals. Two of his three strikes came from the penalty spot, including one in the Azzurrini’s opener with England after Jamie Carragher hauled down future Crystal Palace loanee Nicola Ventola. He also scored the winner in the final with an 81st minute free-kick curled past helpless Czech goalkeeper Ales Chvalovsky. He wouldn’t be the last victim of a set-piece specialist who would go on to glory with Milan, Juventus and Italy.
Petr Cech (2002)
Two years later, the Czechs had another goalkeeper – and with all due respect to Chvalovsky, who never quite fulfilled the promise that had seen Liverpool sign him as a 16-year-old, his replacement was in a different class. By 2002, Petr Cech was barely out of his teens but had already claimed a Czech record by going more than 15 hours without conceding. The Sparta Prague keeper was essential as a young and talented Czech Republic generation won their first European Championship. The 6ft 5in stopper, who would go on to win more than 100 senior caps and a cupboard full of medals at Chelsea, made the difference for his country in a tight final with France: having pulled off some fine saves to keep the scores level, he saved shootout penalties from Julien Escude and Pierre-Alain Frau to help his country claim their maiden title.
Mesut Ozil (2009)
The Arsenal man was sublime in 2009, pulling the strings as Germany romped to the title with a 4-0 thrashing of England in Malmo. The then-Werder Bremen midfielder demonstrated his class throughout the competition, tormenting opponents with the kind of close control and incisive passing that would take him to Real Madrid, Arsenal and 2014 World Cup glory. Five years before the senior Germany side triumphed in Brazil, more than half of the XI they selected for the World Cup final – Ozil, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Howedes, Jerome Boateng, Manuel Neuer and Sami Khedira – featured in the U21 final against England, who included Lee Cattermole, Martin Crainie and Scott Loach in their XI. In hindsight, it’s probably no surprise that Stuart Pearce’s charges came off second best.
Juan Mata (2011)
Spain’s domination of world football in the first dozen years of the new millennium wasn’t just limited to the senior side: the Under-19s won back-to-back European Championships in 2011 and 2012, while the U21s emerged victorious in the 2011 and 2013 Euros. Mata was 23 when the 2011 edition kicked off and had already been impressing for Valencia in the four years previously, but his performances in Denmark confirmed his incredible talent – and convinced Chelsea to part with £23.5m to buy him that August.
Follow the U21 Euros with FourFourTwo
featureTue, 16 Jun 2015 12:30:20 +0000Gary Parkinson404530 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com6 Serie A freebies eagerly awaiting a phone callGreg Lea brings you six Serie A men who are currently out of contract and could be coming to a club near you, for nowt...Greg Leahttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/6-serie-freebies-eagerly-awaiting-phone-call
Juventus’ Paul Pogba and Lazio’s Felipe Anderson have been linked with big-money moves to the Premier League this summer, but there are plenty of other talented players in Italy’s top-flight available for much cheaper fees. Some, in fact, can be picked up for nothing this summer. The following players are all out of contract in a few weeks’ time and would be good free transfers for a number of English outfits.
Nigel de Jong, Milan
The Dutch anchorman was a rare bright spot in a dismal season for the Rossoneri, who slumped to a 10th-place finish under the guidance of the club’s former striker Pippo Inzaghi. De Jong was a model of consistency at the base of midfield, breaking up opposition attacks before beginning offensive moves with his underrated passing ability. De Jong was a key part of Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City outfit that won the Premier League in 2013, so should have no problems adapting to the pace and tempo of the English top tier. Not yet 31, the Amsterdam-born man still has a lot to offer.
Linked with: Manchester United, Galatasaray.
Sergio Romero, Sampdoria
It has been something of a strange 12 months for the Argentine: first-choice goalkeeper for his country as they went all the way to the World Cup final in Brazil last summer, but only back-up to Emiliano Viviano for club side Sampdoria. In fact, it is now two seasons since Romero was No.1 for his domestic employers; the stopper having made only two starts on loan at Monaco in 2013/14. Nevertheless, with 58 international caps to his name, the 28-year-old is clearly a talented keeper. A fine shot-stopper, 6ft 3in Romero is also a powerful and assertive presence in the penalty area. With Sampdoria seemingly willing to let him go, the Argentine would be an astute signing for many English teams, either as first or second choice.
Linked with: Liverpool, Everton, Inter, Roma, Valencia, Malaga.
Cristian Ledesma, Lazio
Ledesma’s nine-year association with the Biancocelesti looks to be coming to an end, with the long-serving midfielder seeking pastures new for the first time since 2006. Stefano Pioli guided Lazio to Champions League qualification for the first time in eight years last term, but Ledesma’s contribution was minimal. The Argentine-born Italy international started only seven games in Serie A as compatriot Lucas Biglia made Ledesma’s favoured deep-lying midfield position his own. A move to MLS looks most likely at this stage, but the 32-year-old could be persuaded to spend another season or two in Europe before crossing the Atlantic.
Linked with: Arsenal, Southampton, New York Red Bulls, Sporting Kansas City, Montreal Impact.
Giampaolo Pazzini, Milan
It has been a difficult couple of years for Pazzini, limited to just 11 starts as Mario Balotelli, Mattia Destro and even winger Jeremy Menez have been preferred in the centre-forward role. He now looks set to depart San Siro after five seasons – two for Inter, three for Milan – with England a possible destination. Pazzini is a traditional number nine, a striker who comes alive in the penalty box and is difficult to pin down with his elusive off-the-ball movement. Despite standing at only 5ft 9in, he is also excellent in the air and generally a cool finisher in one-on-one situations. He would certainly be worth a punt for mid-table Premier League outfits in need of a frontman. Pazzini does not have the pace or mobility to lead the line on his own, but is the type of player who would thrive with the right type of strike partner. As long as his wage demands are not excessive, Pazzini on a free transfer would be a no-brainer for many.
Linked with: Crystal Palace, Ajax, Bologna, Verona.
Jonathan, Inter
The 2014/15 campaign was not one of Jonathan's greatest, managing just 174 minutes of action in Serie A. Seemingly not rated by either Walter Mazzarri or Roberto Mancini, the Brazilian had to settle for a place on the bench at best before a knee injury ruled him out for the rest of the season. In truth, Inter was probably always a step too high for the 29-year-old. If Jonathan's confidence has not taken too much of a hit, he would represent a positive addition for sides in search of an attacking full-back.
Linked with: Benfica, Porto, Santos, Sao Paulo, Atletico Mineiro, Cruzeiro.
Alberto Aquilani, Fiorentina
Those who remember Aquilani’s underwhelming, injury-hit, 28-games-in-three-years spell at Liverpool may be puzzled by the Italian’s place on this list, but the midfielder is a far better player than Premier League audiences will remember. The 30-year-old played a key part in Vincenzo Montella’s Fiorentina becoming one of the best footballing sides on the peninsula: alongside Borja Valero and David Pizarro in a midfield three, Aquilani has helped aid La Viola’s transition towards a more technical, possession-based game. Having averaged 35 appearances per season in his last five campaigns for Fiorentina, Milan and Juventus, fears about Aquilani’s long-term fitness have been assuaged. Doubts remain, however, about whether he would be able to cope with the frenzied pace of the Premier League.
Linked with: Roma, FC Toronto.
More features like this every day on FFT.com
featureThu, 11 Jun 2015 17:56:04 +0000Gregor MacGregor402203 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comNainggolan: Coles Italian makes us all laughRoma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has hailed the impact of Ashley Cole since he arrived at Stadio Olimpico.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/nainggolan-coles-italian-makes-us-all-laugh
The experienced former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back joined in 2014 having won three Premier League titles, seven FA Cups and the Champions League.
But the 34-year-old’s debut campaign in Serie A hasn’t exactly gone to plan. Cole made just 11 league appearances for the Giallorossi last season and three more in the Champions League; one of which saw him hauled off at half-time of an eventual 7-1 home humiliation by Bayern Munich.
Nevertheless, Belgium international Nainggolan - who has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool in recent months - only has good things to say about the Englishman, whose attempts to speak Italian apparently keep the squad in good spirits.
Speaking exclusively in the July 2015 of FourFourTwo - out now - Nainggolan says: “Ashley is such a great guy! We’ve become good friends.
“He’s had a wonderful career and has nothing left to prove, but he’s so modest. And he’s always trying to cheer up the lads. He makes everybody laugh out loud when he tries to speak Italian. Hi accent is so funny!”
SEE ALSO Nainggolan on his future at Roma: 'Anything can happen'
Read the full interview with Radja Nainggolan in theJuly 2015 issue of FourFourTwo, in which Neymar tells us how he plans to reboot Brazil. Also in the magazine: Gary Lineker answers your One-on-One questions, 33 reasons why the Copa America will be better than the World Cup are revealed, and five Blighty-born boys who have already flown west to the MLS describe what Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard can expect Stateside. Plus, Women's World Cup and U21 Euros previews and Performance tips from James Milner, Ryan Bertrand and Asmir Begovic. Availablein print,on iPad and iPhonenow.Subscribe!
news_articleFri, 05 Jun 2015 11:47:09 +0000Gregg Davies399250 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comHow Uncle Pat Evra defied the doubters at Juventus – and left Cole in his wakeThe left-back was cast aside for shiny new things at Manchester United last summer, butAdam Digbysays the 34-year-old has been a vital presence for Juventus this season...Adam Digbyhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/how-uncle-pat-evra-defied-doubters-juventus-and-left-cole-his-wake
When Juventus secured their place in the final four of the Champions League, a raft of internet memes unflatteringly portrayed the Bianconeri as a zebra being stalked by three lions. The inference was simple: the Italian giants and Serie A leaders were viewed as fodder for the three remaining super clubs, who each wanted to draw the Old Lady in the semi-finals.
While Barcelona and Bayern Munich were paired to do battle, Real Madrid were the ones deemed fortunate, with Carlo Ancelotti set to lead the holders of the competition against his former club.
In more than 180 minutes of football, however, Massimiliano Allegri got the better of the man he once replaced at Milan, masterminding a 3-2 aggregate victory against the odds as Juventus proved that sometimes the fleet-footed zebra can escape and leave the big cat to go hungry.
One man quick to pay homage to the impact made from the bench was Patrice Evra, saying shortly after the final whistle in Madrid: “A lot of credit must also go to Mister Allegri.” Continuing along the same theme as those earlier memes, the France international went on to say that the coach’s tactical variety “always changed the menu” as he looked for ways to help his team bridge the obvious chasm in talent.
Valuable veteran
While the Bianconeri could rely on intelligent alternatives from Allegri, former Manchester United star Evra has come to represent something of a guarantee at left-back. Like Carlos Tevez, who was once his team-mate at Old Trafford, he has overcome initial concerns about his arrival to establish himself as a vital member of the side as they clinched a fourth consecutive Serie A title at a canter. The fears surrounding the Argentine striker revolved around his professionalism and attitude, but with Evra it was simply a question of age, having seemingly begun to fade during his final season in England's top flight.
Freed from the pressures of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, however, Evra has thrived on the peninsula, the 34-year-old slotting seamlessly into a back-line that has been one of Europe’s strongest in recent seasons. Juventus began the 2014/15 campaign in the same 3-5-2 formation which had been central to their domestic dominance under Antonio Conte and, having completed a £1.2million transfer and signed a two-year contract, Evra showed his ability as a wing-back. Defensively diligent and tactically aware, the Frenchman was a welcome addition when Juventus were in possession, his natural grasp of the role a huge boost to the side as he made overlapping runs to stretch opponents.
Contributing a steady stream of dangerous crosses, he complemented the consistent quality of Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right flank and even proved to be a threat at set-pieces.
Evra quickly became a veteran presence, helping to guide the club’s young players like Kingsley Coman and Paul Pogba, who referred to him as “Uncle Pat” and thanked him for the guidance and insight he provided.
Allegri eventually moved away from that three-man defence and began to deploy what he labelled a “4-3-and then we’ll see” formation. While those around him had not played in a back four for a number of years, Evra was wholly familiar with the intricacies of it and helped ensure the transition was smooth as he returned to playing a more orthodox position. An injury to Ghanaian wideman Kwadwo Asamoah left the former Monaco defender as the only real option in that role, however, with converted midfielder Simone Padoin occasionally trusted to give him a breather.
Own Cole
Evra marked his 32nd appearance of the campaign in the Coppa Italia final with a crucial assist in Juve’s 2-1 extra-time victory. His impact once again provided a stark contrast to the Italian adventure of Ashley Cole, perhaps the only player who had rivalled his ability at left-back during the Premier League era.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea full-back had arguably enjoyed a much better final season in England with the Blues, and as Roma picked the then 33-year-old up on a free transfer just two weeks before the Frenchman landed in Turin, the Giallorossi were seen to have made the better deal.
It certainly hasn't turned out that way, however, with Cole enduring a torrid time in Serie A, making just 11 starts for Rudi Garcia’s men. Much like Evra, he was brought in to add experience to a young side as Roma made their return to the Champions League, yet he has merely compounded their collapse with a string of disappointing performances. Perhaps his time in the peninsula’s capital is best summed up by his part in their 7-1 mauling at the hands of Bayern Munich, when he was hauled off at half-time after being largely culpable for the five first-half goals his side had shipped at the Stadio Olimpico.
Meanwhile, Evra has saved his best displays for the continental competition, and now heads to the fifth Champions League final of his career, a total bettered only by Milan legend Paolo Maldini’s tally of eight.
He's only won one of the previous four, though, and his record is similar to that of Juve, who have lifted the trophy just twice in seven appearances and hope to improve that record against Messi Co. in Berlin. “The final was an objective from the first moment Juventus called me,” he told Sky Italia moments after helping the Bianconeri eliminate Real Madrid, going on to thank “those who wanted me and my experience here”.
Events at the 2010 World Cup – Evra leading a players' strike in protest of Nicolas Anelka’s exclusion from the squad – had tainted the value of that veteran leadership, but it has certainly come to the fore in Turin.
In the hours after they overcame the Spanish giants at the Santiago Bernabeu, footage of the jubilant Juventus players celebrating their place in the final emerged, singing about going to Berlin to the tune of Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. There, clearly in charge of proceedings, the Frenchman hammered out the tune on an equipment box, with the rest of the squad performing to the beat of his drumming.
Evra has joined Buffon, Pirlo and Tevez to become one of the genuine leaders of this group that now stands 90 minutes away from immortalising themselves in the storied history of Italian football’s grand Old Lady.
More Champions League features like this on FFT.com
featureFri, 05 Jun 2015 10:34:16 +0000Joe Brewin399201 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comNainggolan on his future: Anything can happenPremier League target Radja Nainggolan has told FourFourTwo hes happy to stay at Roma, but admitted anything can happen.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/nainggolan-his-future-anything-can-happen
The 27-year-old Belgium international has been linked with switches to Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool having helped the Giallorossi secure second place in Serie A behind Juventus. Nainggolan contributed five goals and two assists in 35 league appearances in 2014/15, as Rudi Garcia’s side ensured they will be playing Champions League football next term.
As a result, the former Piacenza man has no immediate desire to leave the Eternal City. However, that hasn’t stopped the speculation, which suggests Nainggolan is part-owned by another Serie A side, Cagliari, and could move on if Roma fail to buy the midfielder outright by the end of June.
Speaking exclusively in the July 2015 issue of FourFourTwo - out now - Nainggolan says: “I haven’t put much thought into it [a move].
"I’ve been focusing on our race for a Champions League place. All I’ll say is: I’m very happy in Rome. After all this time, I’m practically half-Italian and it feels like home. I speak six languages, but I’m not looking to move to another country. Then again, anything can happen at this level. We'll see what happens.
“[The Premier League] is certainly the most talked-about competition in the world. I regularly watch the games of my Belgian friends at Chelsea and Spurs, and there are a lot of world-class players.”
SEE ALSO Nainggolan: Ashley Cole's Italian makes us all laugh out loud
Read the full interview with Radja Nainggolan in theJuly 2015 issue of FourFourTwo, in which Neymar tells us how he plans to reboot Brazil. Also in the magazine: Gary Lineker answers your One-on-One questions, 33 reasons why the Copa America will be better than the World Cup are revealed, and five Blighty-born boys who have already flown west to the MLS describe what Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard can expect Stateside. Plus, Women's World Cup and U21 Euros previews and Performance tips from James Milner, Ryan Bertrand and Asmir Begovic. Availablein print,on iPad and iPhonenow.Subscribe!
news_articleWed, 03 Jun 2015 13:44:21 +0000Gregg Davies398287 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comIn the mag: Neymar, Lineker, Nainggolan, sugar daddies and summer tournamentsGet your hands on the latest edition of FourFourTwo, available from Wednesday June 3in print,oniPad and iPhone...http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/mag-neymar-lineker-nainggolan-sugar-daddies-and-summer-tournaments
June, in an odd-numbered year. Barren and devoid of football? Is it heck. Not when you’ve got the Copa America, the U21 Euros and Women’s World Cup – and a new issue of FFT with which to satisfy your footballing urges.
This month’s exclusive cover interview is Neymar: Barcelona hero, Brazil’s saviour and a keen fan of photography. The Seleçao skipper tells FourFourTwo how he’s going to reboot Brazil, how he handles the pressure of a nation’s expectations – and how to take the perfect selfie.
Also no stranger to a camera is Gary Lineker [Smooth link - Ed.]. In this month’s One-on-One, the former Leicester, Spurs, Barcelona and England striker answers your questions on Johan Cruyff, tight shorts, almost signing for Manchester United and whether the World Cup Golden Boot is right- or left-footed.
The domestic season is on hiatus but there’s plenty of tournament action on the small screen – and we’ll talk you through all the major tournaments. There’s eight pages on the Copa America (33 reasons why it will be better than the World Cup), six on the U21 Euros (team guides plus the players most likely to be snapped up by Premier League clubs), and 10 on the Women’s World Cup (interviews with the key players).
The bags are packed, the Liverpool and Manchester City shirts folded away, and a new adventure awaits Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard. As the legends fly west to join the MLS revolution, FourFourTwo talks to five Blighty-born boys who’ve already made their mark Stateside – from the college boy through the best English striker you haven’t heard of to the bloke who topped the scoring charts last season.
Flicking through football’s back pages, we reflect on the various forms of sugar daddies down the ages – from the debt-wiping dog-fancier who saved Manchester Unitedto the avuncular owners who saved their hometown clubs and spent fortunes chasing their dreams, via the super-rich shipyard owners fitting outSunderlandwith an extravagant team who got relegated anyway.
In Upfront we’ve got the top 10 embarrassing relatives, the snooker/football hybrid, Robert Pires and Carlos Valderrama reminiscing on their careers and former Tottenham defender Ramon Vega discussing how the flat he shared with David Ginola stank of cheese.
Planet Football brings you Radja Nainggolan exclusively interviewed, Jay-Jay Okocha on his finest goal, Lazio’s eagle mascot on a first-class plane and a guide to the world’s most politicised fans.
And in our Performance section: advice from Jason Puncheon, James Milner, Ryan Bertrand and Asmir Begovic, recipes from Willian and Jonas Guttierez – plus news that burgers are good for you. Yum!
The July 2015 issue of FourFourTwo was brought to you by interviewing Gary Lineker, Kevin Pietersen, Kasper Schmeichel, John Stones, Robert Pires, Mamady Sidibe, Ramón Vega, Carlos Valderrama, Neymar, Marta, Nadine Angerer, Carli Lloyd, John Herdman, Aya Miyama, Alex Scott, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Jordan Stewart, Dom Dwyer, Giles Barnes, Luke Mulholland, John Hollins, Neil Emblen, Radja Nainggolan, Jay-Jay Okocha, Mauricio Baldevieso, Jason Puncheon, Asmir Begovic, Ryan Bertrand, Willian, Jonas Guttierez, James Milner and Emile Heskey. Available from June 3in print,on iPad and on iPhone. orSUBSCRIBE!
featureTue, 02 Jun 2015 14:36:03 +0000Gary Parkinson397326 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comMeet the Man United-rejecting Frenchman who can soothe Liverpools woes Greg Leasays Milans Anfield-linked Jeremy Menez would deserve a big move after a terrific season in Serie A...Greg Leahttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/meet-man-united-rejecting-frenchman-who-can-soothe-liverpools-woes
The 60-second story
Jeremy Menez’s career began at Sochaux in 2004, when he signed professional terms with the club from the east of France aged 16. He made his first-team debut in the 2004/05 season, becoming the youngest-ever player in Ligue 1, and impressed enough to immediately nail down a place in the starting XI. His performances over the next couple of years attracted the attentions of scouts from up and down the country, and Monaco eventually won the battle for his signature. Injuries and inconsistent form somewhat blighted his two-year spell in the principality, though Menez’s talent remained clearand Roma didn't hesitate in parting with €10.5 million to sign him in 2008.
Three years in the Eternal City confirmed both his tempestuous nature and dazzling ability, convincing PSG to splash out €8m and bring him back to his homeland in 2011, the same summer in which Qatar Sports Investments became the club’s majority owner. Menez produced the best football of his career to date, excelling under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti. Nevertheless, after back-to-back Ligue 1 titles the forward was on the move again last summer, joining Pippo Inzaghi’s Milan. There, the Frenchman has been a rare bright spot in a dismal campaign for the Rossoneri, at times dragging the San Siro strugglers through games and virtually winning points on his own. To many, this has been the season in which Menez has definitively come of age.
Why you need to know him
Menez is hot property. Only Carlos Tevez, Luca Toni and Mauro Icardi – all out-and-out strikers – have notched more than his 16 goals in Serie A this season. Milan’s failure to secure European football for a second consecutive campaign means they are vulnerable to losing some of their better players, with Menez heading the list of likely departures from the San Siro this summer.
Former employers Monaco are one interested party but Liverpool are also on red alert, with the Reds in desperate need of a prolific scorer after a season in which strikers Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert, Daniel Sturridge and Fabio Borini have mustered just eight Premier League goals between them.
Menez, it seems, has been identified by Brendan Rodgers as the man capable of giving Liverpool more of an end product and cutting edge at the sharp end of the pitch.
Strengths
Quick and tricky, Menez is brilliant in one-on-one situations and able to beat defenders in a variety of ways. As his goals tally suggests, the 28-year-old is a fantastic finisher, and his passing is generally very good.
Menez’s versatility is a major plus point, too: he has played wide right, wide left, as a false nine and in behind a conventional centre-forward this term.
Weaknesses
While Menez is a fine dribbler, he is often guilty of holding onto the ball for too long and failing to release it at the right moment. The sight of him embarking on a mesmerising run before failing to pick out a better-placed team-mate has been an all too common one this season. If Menez had displayed more of a selfless streak, he'd have surely recorded more than just four assists in 2014/15.
His discipline – both on and off the field – is also a cause for concern. Menez was one of four France players to be reprimanded for bad behaviour at Euro 2012, while he's currently serving a a four-match ban for directing "insulting gestures” at the fourth official during Milan’s recent Serie A encounter with Genoa.
They said…
Inzaghi has endured a difficult first season as Milan manager, but he can at least take solace in what seems to be a unique player-coach relationship with Menez. “Adriano Galliani [Milan’s CEO] had the idea of signing him,” the former centre-forward said in September after the Frenchman had netted three goals in his opening two games. “I knew of his technique and pace, but wanted to know what he thought and so I met him in Ibiza.
“He seduced me in five minutes, and at that point I said what I expected from him. I realised that I was faced with a lad who was very open, kind and professional. What he has since done on the pitch proves I was right. His approach is perfect. He could’ve run into trouble at the start, but wiped all that out and is really helping the team. I intend to marry him!” Now that would be a story...
Did you know?
Menez has turned down the chance to join Manchester United on two separate occasions, something that will only serve to endear him to Liverpool fans. As a teenager, the Sochaux academy product was approached by the Premier League giants, and although Menez was “excited” by the offer, his parents rebuffed the approach believing their son would be better served finishing his education in France. Six years later in 2010, Menez also opted against moving to Old Trafford, choosing to remain at Roma.
What happens next?
Kevin Menez, Jeremy’s brother and agent, last week told the French press that there is currently “no reason [for his client] to leave [Milan]” –but his comments were hardly unequivocal. “We know that in modernfootballevery player is for sale, but we haven’t been contacted by anyone, and Jeremy feels good at Milan, where he’s had the best season of his career. Liverpool and Monaco? These are just rumours, there are rumours around every player. A player who has scored 16 goals will be sought after, but at the moment there’s nothing concrete.” With no European football on offer in Italy’s second city and Menez not getting any younger, it wouldn't be at all surprising to see him depart Milan in the coming months. He won't be short of suitors after an excellent campaign with the Rossoneri, and Liverpool will have to act quickly if they're to take him to Anfield.
Get the inside track on football's hottest prospects at FFT.com
featureMon, 18 May 2015 13:35:00 +0000Joe Brewin390487 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comWhy Torinos raging bull could have the pick of clubs from England and SpainAdam Digbybrings you up to speed on the Serie A sides talented full-back Matteo Darmian, who helped sink city rivals Juventus...Adam Digbyhttp://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/why-torinos-raging-bull-could-have-pick-clubs-england-and-spain
The 60-second story
After failing to control Fabio Quagliarella’s cutback, Matteo Darmian sprinted after the ball, moving swiftly across the penalty area to ensure he was first to it. With his next movement he slotted calmly beyond Gigi Buffon.
The Stadio Olimpico erupted as the ball hit the back of the net, for this was only Torino’s second goal against Juventus since 2002. Just over an hour later, the Granata faithful were even more vociferous, celebrating their side’s first victory over their cross-town rivals in almost two decades.
Darmian’s career path is one well-trodden by young Italians. It started brightly as he made his debut for hometown team Milan at the tender age of 16, but faltered during loan spells with Padova and Palermo.
But it finally blossomed after he decided to join Torino in summer 2011 – the versatile defender helpedthem to promotion in his very first campaign, and he has since established himself as a first-team regular. His rise has mirrored his team's own steady climb up the Serie A table, as they sit 9th after 32 matches.
Why you need to know him
Last season, while the goals of Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci were instrumental in helpingToroearn a place in the Europa League, the team was built upon a solid defence and the play of its wing-backs.
Darmian was a vital component in making coach Giampiero Ventura’s 3-5-2 formation a success, missing just one match in the entire campaign and making important contributions at both ends of the pitch.
Previously uncapped by Italy, he was rewarded with a place in Cesare Prandelli’s squad that headed to Brazil, and made his debut in the 2-1 win over England.
"If you'd told me eight months ago that I'd be playing in the World Cup, I would have burst out laughing," he commented afterwards. "It was a childhood dream, but honestly I didn't think I'd get here."
As one of the few Azzurri stars to emerge with his reputation intact, the 25-year-old – voted into the 2014 Serie A Team of the Year – certainly made the most of his opportunity. He has followed it up with yet another superb season, and is continuing to develop into one of the finest defenders of his generation.
Having established himself as a regular with Torino, Darmian’s performances for Italy and in the Europa League have seen him gain much wider recognition, and it's difficult to see him staying at the Stadio Olimpico beyond this summer. Both Juventus and Roma are listed as contenders for his signature, with Arsenal, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona also believed to be keen to lure him abroad.
Darmian would likely thrive no matter where he ends up. His maturity and professionalism combines with a skill set that should transplant well into any team or league across Europe, making for a potent combination that's seen him identified as a target for the continent’s biggest clubs.
Strengths
It's easy to note Darmian’s versatility as a major strength in his game. He's featured in both wing-back roles of Torino’s 3-5-2 formation, and done the same as a more orthodox full-back during the World Cup.
He has also filled in as a central defender for the Azzurri in Antonio Conte’s three-man backline, but the biggest factor has been his incredible consistency no matter where he has been deployed.
Averaging 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game this season, Darmian has proven adept at halting opposition attacks and is always diligent in his defensive duties before venturing forwards.
When his side is in possession, the 25-year-old is comfortable either running at his man with the ball or making an intelligent pass to a better-placed team-mate.
He has improved in front of goal where, having netted just twice in his entire career before this season, 2014/15 has seen him score four times, with two coming in his first European campaign. Despite being just under 6ft tall, Darmian is also very good in the air, and has won 55% of the duels he has contested.
Weaknesses
Surprisingly for a player so smart in possession, Darmian’s crossing remains a weakness, albeit one which may improve from playing with better team-mates. Neither Fabio Quagliarella nor Maxi Lopez are proficient in the air, although the full-back should still be attempting more crosses than the 0.4 per game he has managed in Serie A. The fact that figure leaps to 2.3 per game over his 10 Europa League appearances speaks volumes, and he registered 3 assists in that competition this term.
They said...
When it comes to full-backs making their Italy debut on the biggest stage, few are better placed to assess their potential than 1982 World Cup winner Antonio Cabrini. "It's impossible to draw comparisons as football has changed a lot since then," the Juventus legend told UEFA.com.
"Maybe the only analogy is that we both broke into the national team during a World Cup. I did it in 1978 and he has done the same in 2014 in Brazil with a brilliant performance against England.
"He can become a focal point of the Azzurri defence for many years. It all depends on him. After a very positive season in Serie A, he has the chance to keep on improving, especially by gaining important experience at international level."
Did you know?
While he is now wanted by a raft of Europe’s top sides, Darmian is yet another player to have been released by Milan, having captained their Primavera (Under-19s) side during 2007/08. The Rossoneri were the reigning European champions that season, but a failure to plan ahead saw the side disintegrate. That the club allowed likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Luca Antonelli and Alberto Paloschi – all team-mates of Darmian in the youth sector – to leave is another damning indictment of Milan’s woes.
What happens next?
A summer exit seems almost certain, with the player non-committal when asked about his future during the last international break. “We will see at the end of the season,” he told reporters, only for Torino sporting director Gianluca Petrachi to downplay talk of an impending transfer. “There have been no offers for Darmian,” the club official told La Stampa earlier this month, adding: “he’ll remain with us unless he asks to be sold.” The Granata can expect a number of bids to land in their laps during the close season, with Darmian expected to be one of this year’s most sought-after stoppers.
Discover more about the players you need to know at FFT.com
featureWed, 29 Apr 2015 16:09:26 +0000Joe Brewin381989 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comSerie A Preview: Inter v RomaRoma will aim to return to winning ways at Inter andquell fears that Napoli could pip them to the final UEFA ChampionsLeague qualification spot in Serie A.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/inter-v-roma-heavyweights-aim-overcome-respective-struggles
Rudi Garcia's team repeated a frustratingly familiar theme of their campaign last time out, drawing 1-1 with Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico after German Denis'penalty cancelled out a third-minute spot-kick from Francesco Totti.
It was Roma's second consecutive stalemate and their 10th draw in 15 Serie A games since the turn of the year.
Napoli lie five points back in fourth with seven games remaining and further dropped points this weekend would leave the capital club in an increasingly uncomfortable position having already fallen behind city rivals Lazio on goal difference.
Nevertheless, Roma find themselves in a somewhat enviable situation compared to Inter, who lie 10th in the standings as they play out the final exchanges of a fourth consecutive trophyless season.
Victory is a must for Roberto Mancini's men if they are to stoke their dwindling hopes of UEFA Europa League qualification.
Last weekend's goalless draw against bitter rivals Milan added a further layer of frustration, although the fact it was only their fifth home clean sheet of the Serie A campaign pointed to where the true problems lie for Mancini - a man previously synonymous with turning out miserly defensive units during his coaching career.
Like Mancini, Davide Santon has returned for a second spell with Inter this term and the full-back offered backing to his coach.
"The manager is a lovely man," Santontold SportMediaset. "He talks to the players a lot and he's won things wherever he's been. I think he's the right man to take us forward."
"We're still trying to gel, a lot of new players have come in and the team is completely different to the Inter side I played in four years ago. We're trying to give the team a new identity and the coach is working on that too."
Chile international Gary Medel is unavailable to Mancini due to yellow-card accumulation, although Fredy Guarin and Marcelo Brozovic return from disciplinary indiscretions of their own.
Roma defender Davide Astori is suspended, with Kostas Manolas poised to take his place at centre-back.
Midfielder Miralem Pjanic is back in training having missed the Atalanta match and could return to the Roma engine room alongside Daniele DeRossi (back), although Gervinho (hamstring) is set to remain on the sidelines.
news_articleThu, 23 Apr 2015 20:31:36 +0000Anonymous379484 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com